I once again have the lovely Melanie, representing Aria Fiction, to thank for including me in this great blog tour, as DC Charlotte Stafford prepares to take on her third major case, in this highly successful new series.

Joanne, at ‘That Thing She Reads’, started off the tour with a great review of Liar Liar, so why not check out a few of the other stop-offs and see what you can find out about both book and author.

Those of you who follow me, know how passionate I am about Guest Posts, so I was particularly pleased to have Sarah agree to submit an article for my tour date. “Past, Present and Future” highlights Sarah’s candid and personal struggle to get the book she knew was inside her, out there for us all to enjoy!

If you have a passion, feed it. Sometimes the passion will wane and you won’t have time for it. Sometimes it will flourish and you won’t have enough hours in the day to harvest it. If it takes twenty years, so be it. Whatever happens though, if writing is something you love, don’t give up. If ‘it’ happens you will be the happiest person on earth. If ‘it’ doesn’t, it will still be a great legacy, if only on your own bookshelf at home.

…

“PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE“

I can’t believe that my third book has just been published. It only seems like yesterday that my agent was contacting me to say there was a publisher interested in my writing. A meeting followed swiftly and I was soon signed up to Aria and beginning the whole book writing process.

I was a total novice, but have learned a lot through the process, with yet more to hone. Until just a few years ago, I had written nothing but statements and those were purely factual. Suddenly I was writing fiction, developing characters, dreaming up plotlines and actually putting the whole process down on paper.

My initial efforts weren’t good. My education had concluded at the age of eighteen, with the heady achievement of a D grade in my English literature A level. Having failed to obtain the qualifications I required for university, I joined the police service and did nothing further of literary note… with the exception of setting down my evidence and completing case papers. It was only when my eldest sister had a beautifully crafted historical family drama published that I gave the idea of writing a thought. The whole challenge intrigued me and I immediately set to work. Suffice to say; my first effort was never published, although it seemed that it was good enough for my present agent to see potential and take me on.

Looking back, I think the plot was captivating enough, with plenty of twists and turns, but the actual style was basic. I had no central police protagonist and no real idea how to put a story together. My agent advised me to play to my strengths. I knew how the law worked and the day-to-day challenges that police officers face, so I went back to the drawing board. I dabbled with a few different characters, struggling for some time to come up with one I liked and who felt authentic and recognisable. So many current police detectives in literature or films are damaged, disgruntled mavericks unlike anyone I have ever known. I wanted something different, but I was still unsure whether to choose male or female, old or young, constables or senior officers.

Charlie Stafford and Hunter emerged from my imagination, with a helping of actuality. They ticked all the boxes. I knew them, I had worked with them and more importantly I recognised that the two personalities, although diametrically opposed in looks, age and experience, fitted together perfectly. Charlie in particular, as the younger, more dynamic of the two is going from strength to strength. She is learning to trust her own judgment and take decisive action at work, as well as finally coming to terms with the ups and downs of her personal life. She might still be a little scruffy and make mistakes but there is no doubting her motivation and sincerity in wanting to achieve justice for her victims. Her childhood bereavement and disjointed family life marks her out as normal, as well as giving her strength and empathy beyond her years. She has yet to face her greatest fears and I would love to see her succeed, but will she be able to conquer her demons?

I have so many ideas buzzing around in my head for future storylines and the professional and personal challenges she, Hunter, and the team will face. After three books I feel that I have barely scratched the surface with any of them.

Book 4 sees Charlie dealing with her most traumatic cases to date. It is a reworking of that first story I wrote, and is set against a real case in which I was involved. It is written from the viewpoints of various characters, so is a little different from my usual but I hope that it will show life on the streets as it is, in all its tragic forms. It will remain to be seen whether you, as my readers enjoy it. I really hope you do.

As for the writing process; well, whether completing my own first edits, or the following structural edits, copy-edits or proof-reading, I continue to learn. My spelling and punctuation still leaves a lot to be desired and I know I will never be a literary genius, as a few reviewers have commented, but oh, how I love it.

So, my advice… If you’re interested in writing a book then go for it! You honestly can’t be any worse than I was… and you never know, you might even enjoy it.

Don’t forget to visit on Sunday December 10th 2017, when as part of a very hectic blog tour to launch this new episode in her highly successful ‘DC Charlotte Stafford’ series, author Sarah Flint will be stopping by with “Past, Present and Future” a great new guest post

The door slammed shut and heavy boots thumped slowly across the wooden floorboards. The woman started, her eyes dull with weary acceptance, her arms thrown up, indicating in panic that the child should run. But it was too late. His voice rang out, a low whistle at first, rising with each footfall to a crescendo, loud and spiteful, every word designed to incite terror.

…

Chapter 1 – Saturday 17th June 2017

It was surprising how easy it had been to get in. He’d expected the security to be better; but then it was summer and people left windows unlocked and insecure, didn’t they? Complacency was his accomplice every time. Just because the bungalow was remote it didn’t mean it couldn’t be accessed … and he’d rarely, if ever, failed. Leaving a window open just made his job easier.

Clicking on the book’s title will link you directly with it’s Goodreads listing.

…

WHAT IS ‘BOOK BEGINNINGS’?

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?

Once again, I have to thank the lovely Melanie, representing Aria Fiction, for this week’s new addition to my virtual shelf and the great folks at NetGalley, for facilitating the Kindle download.

I am also pleased to say that for a second time, the book’s author, Sarah Flint, has agreed to stop by with a guest post on Sunday December 10th 2017, as part of a very hectic blog tour to launch this new episode in her highly successful ‘DC Charlotte Stafford’ series.

If you have a passion, feed it. Sometimes the passion will wane and you won’t have time for it. Sometimes it will flourish and you won’t have enough hours in the day to harvest it. If it takes twenty years, so be it. Whatever happens though, if writing is something you love, don’t give up. If ‘it’ happens you will be the happiest person on earth. If ‘it’ doesn’t, it will still be a great legacy, if only on your own bookshelf at home.

…

MAILBOXMONDAY

… is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house during the last week. Be warned that Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Mailbox Monday now has a permanent home, where links may be added each week. So why not stop by, leave a link to your own Mailbox Monday post, oh! and don’t forget to leave a comment for our three new joint administrators, after all, we all like to receive them … Your Hosts for ‘Mailbox Monday’

First Lines

“It was here, in the city of Brotherly Love, at twenty-eight years of age, that Lucy Gears first discovered she had a sister. An identical twin. Of course it wasn’t true. A joke, a hoax a prank. As if. It was completely ridiculous, and although she of all people appreciated a good Gotcha! she didn’t […]

Random Quote

If I can manage to write up to about a thousand words early in the morning, no matter what else I’m doing that day, I feel at least I’ve got some work done. Often I find my ideas are clearer then. It’s as if I’ve got all the imagination going through all my dreams as if it’s still there in my head. I think that’s a good writing tip to pass on. Write when you wake up.